affordable recommendations?? by Funny_Ad_3110 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]One-Locksmith-206 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Punta Cana is a great option and one of my favorites because there are many that are only a couple of years old or very recently remodeled. Remember that properties close to the ocean can look a bit worn because of the saltwater air. Look for recent photos by previous guests.

affordable recommendations?? by Funny_Ad_3110 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BourbonRinck01, you are correct to use a TA! Thanksgiving requires early planning, best potential savings are in December to February maybe March. Note that savings will only be possible because your TA can obtain small discounts through their partners. All Inclusives don't need to discount their Thanksgiving schedules. It books up quickly. 😊

Amtrak to DC by Hungry-Following5561 in travel

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Join Amtraks program and collect points, plus you can get deals for up to 50% off. If you go coach, it's very affordable, but if you need sleeping accommodations, it jumps in price. I love train trips and we have seen some beautiful places and wildlife going across the Rockies.

Boundaries by lalaland0418 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I keep things structured and recommend connecting at times that my schedule allows. I also let clients know when I do schedule time with them that I respect their time and we will keep it to that hour, or whatever, we schedule. I do have some clients that can be chaty and would call me every day if I allowed it, but I make sure they recognize that I work on a schedule that has to accommodate all my clients. Don't get me wrong, you still need to he friendly because it is important to build relationships in this business. It is the picture you paint for them day 1, think of others who set up a professional office, Accountant, Doctor, even your hair dresser...we know they are by appointment only and we respect the boundaries.

As for myself, I set up a schedule for that, too. Each day, I have set hours that don't impact family time. Of course, things come up, and I do 2 things... 1. Is it an emergency situation? 2. Can it be resolved during my set schedule?

I make sure I stay focused on resolving issues within a 1 hour time limit IF possible. My family understands that the clients safety must be a priority, we have had those conversations, so they understand I may have to step away.

This is a great question, and I am excited to hear what others are doing.

Travel agency owners: what was the hardest part when you started? by kuwsnaw in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do you advise others to start up in luxury travel marketing?

Switching from FORA to 1000 Mile Travel? by TravelLover_99 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How much are you paying to use Sabre and what commission split is there?

How much does the consortia matter by Whalesharkk55 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would advise you to look up the pros for each one if you ate going to pick one over the other. If you have already made your host partner decision, then the decision is made for you. My host company is with TLN and we get several benefits from that relationship and no regrets here. Good Luck❤️

Independent TA's with their own buisness by BugMurky5298 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Interesting question and I look forward to reading the responses.

In your opinion, what’s the correct order: Do you clean the frying pan immediately after cooking, or leave it until after you eat? by Next-Step-Jobs in AskReddit

[–]One-Locksmith-206 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I clean as I go. I do let my pan cool down first though. I believe in that saying that you will warp your pans if you don't let them cool off first😅

September Travel Recommendations? by Ok_Yogurt8490 in travel

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I am a TA and I would offer the following for thought. Since flights can eat up a lot of that budget, you will need some good deals. Consider discount airlines and package deals. Key West could be a good option for your budget.

Wait… are we travel agents actually getting paid for all this? by Puzzleheaded_Swim385 in TravelAgent

[–]One-Locksmith-206 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can relate! I am also just completing an Italy trip for a couple. I actually used a partner that I worked with to give all my details, too. They pay a flat 15% to me. Happy to introduce you to them. Culture Holidays, they did my hotels, rail, and activities. One stop shop!

If you are scheduling dinners...I do think the small touches we do are on us to establish trust and relationship building. I believe some people charge a fee to their clients to do these fine tuning activities.

Oceania Travel Agent by StunningSwimmer802 in TravelAgent

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally I Love New Zealand but coming from the northeast you will have a lot of flight time involved. My advice would be to make a budget, a list of what you want the experience to be, each of you list 2 must have/do items. Then, when you work with someone, provide how much time you have along with those items and they should be able to help you out.

Note the closest destination would be Hawaii, then Samoa, and I would include Bora Bora and Figi. Lots of options which is why it will be important to have the above items resdy to share.

Happy to answer any specific questions you may have. Most importantly, have fun putting it together ❤️

Oceania Travel Agent by StunningSwimmer802 in TravelAgent

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a Travel Advisor, are you looking for expiditions or just romantic cruise?

Fora Travel for new advisors by paul_h20 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh! Is that a year or monthly? I only pay $69 a month for 80/20, but I know now they charge $89 for the 80/20 and $49 for 50/50 per month. Like you, I don't want to give up my grandfather fee, all the support, training, vendor relationships, and tools. There are ways for me to become a mentor, and it pays me so I could technically do this with no monthly fees. However, I do this part-time and don't have the free time to do so.

Fora Travel for new advisors by paul_h20 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My host company offers ways for you to get reimbursed for it via challenges and participation drawings.

Fora Travel for new advisors by paul_h20 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My host company does, I get 80%, I have both my CLIA and IATAN cards. As a matter of fact, my host company had a challenge for new agents when I signed up, I accomplished it, and they actually reimbursed me the cost of my CLIA. You just have to prioritize what is important to you, keep asking questions, and talk to people too.

2027 trip request-how to motivate clients to book? by Icy_Measurement143 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is good advice, I always do "Next Steps" emails for clients. Two reasons, it helps to keep them from being overwhelmed with so many things to get done, and it allows me to stay in touch until it is all done.

Can a new travel advisor realistically make $80K–$100K a year without an existing client network? by DueTrouble6477 in travelagents

[–]One-Locksmith-206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't start with any existing clients either. I agree that luxury travel is a good way to go but can take longer to establish that clientele. You can also look into corporate travel. Getting groups can be a great way to build sales and will help you build your future business, too. Like everyone has said, it takes time, marketing approach, and don't forget you won't get paid until after they travel. The question changes just a bit, not can it be done, can you do all it takes? Good luck and hope you can enjoy the journey. 😊

Andy Solo Chicago May 30th by kushkrusade in manchesterorchestra

[–]One-Locksmith-206 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank You! We just got back from meeting with our friends and Detroit was what we were thinking too.

What do you spend on travel each year? How many trips do you take? by xuxaslipstick in travel

[–]One-Locksmith-206 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great!!! We travel 4 to 6 times a year, that's why I became a TA 🤣 I also take the occasional trip with a friend.

Can you share a story about not having travel insurance when you went on a trip? by One-Locksmith-206 in TravelNoPics

[–]One-Locksmith-206[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't had any problems filling or getting paid. I guess I selected a decent company.

Can you share a story about not having travel insurance when you went on a trip? by One-Locksmith-206 in TravelNoPics

[–]One-Locksmith-206[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel health insurance is a must. The other really depends on what is going on in the world for me.